A DeSoto Parish jailer has been arrested and fired, accused inappropriately touching a female inmate.

50-year-old Robert Smith of Logansport is charged with malfeasance in office, sexual conduct prohibited with persons in custody.

According to Chief Criminal Deputy Horace Womack, the charge is the result of an investigation prompted by allegations by the inmate in the DeSoto Parish Detention Center.

Smith was placed on administrative leave Monday, February 11, the day after the allegation was made. After an internal investigation, the jailer was arrested and fired on Thursday. He has since been released on $7500.00 bond.

Womack says Smith has been employed with the Desoto Parish Sheriff's Office since 2008 as a corrections officer.

The penalty on conviction of this offense carries a sentence of up to ten years in prison, ten thousand dollar fine.